NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) — In a move that has sent ripples through the college basketball community, Trae Young, the former Oklahoma Sooners star and current Atlanta Hawks guard, has accepted the position of assistant general manager for the University of Oklahoma's men's basketball program. During an appearance on ESPN's NBA Today, Young also announced a generous $1 million donation to the program, marking a significant commitment to his alma mater.
"As someone who grew up in Norman and played at the University of Oklahoma, stepping into the role of assistant GM for OU Basketball is a huge honor," Young stated. "This program has such a rich history, which I am fortunate to have been and continue to be a part of. In my new role, my focus is on helping contribute to OU's winning culture, working alongside the coaching staff and front office to bring in the right players to help us compete and succeed at the highest level."
Young's return to the Sooners comes after a stellar career in college basketball, where he played one season with Oklahoma in 2017-18. During that year, he made history by becoming the first true freshman to lead NCAA Division I in both points per game (27.4) and assists per game (8.7). His remarkable performance earned him first team All-America honors and the National Freshman of the Year title.
The 26-year-old point guard, who was drafted No. 5 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, has since established himself as one of the top talents in the NBA, earning four All-Star selections. His passion for basketball is matched by his commitment to his hometown, where he has consistently given back to the community. Notably, he previously donated $4 million to build the Young Family Athletic Center, a state-of-the-art facility for youth sports in Norman.
In his new role as assistant GM, Young will be involved in various aspects of the program, including fundraising efforts, evaluating high school prospects, navigating the transfer portal, and negotiating player contracts in compliance with NCAA regulations. This multifaceted position places Young at the forefront of a rapidly evolving college basketball landscape, particularly with the recent changes surrounding name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals.
Oklahoma's Director of Athletics, Joe Castiglione, expressed his enthusiasm for Young's appointment. "Trae is a son of Norman, Oklahoma, and he's given so much to our city and its people," Castiglione said. "He has a strong affinity for this place and his commitment to ensuring our community is a thriving one is truly unmatched. He's also an OU legend who, in his time here and since, continues to achieve excellence both on and off the court. With this appointment, we’re taking his commitment to Norman and to OU to the next level, dedicating our mutual support together to the success of our men’s basketball program."
Porter Moser, head coach of the Sooners, also shared his excitement about Young's contributions. "This is a really big day and incredibly exciting. First, just a huge thank-you to Trae for the $1 million gift to our program. What an unbelievably gracious offering. It will be put to effective use as we continue on our path toward sustained high-level success. We are extraordinarily grateful for the generous contribution," Moser said.
He added, "Trae’s addition as assistant general manager is going to pay significant dividends for our program on multiple levels. He is a basketball junkie in so many ways. He’s obviously one of the biggest and most recognizable on-court talents in the world, so he brings immediate credibility with younger players. But I can tell you that Trae also pays close attention to the national basketball landscape and is dialed in to all levels of the sport. His knowledge, coupled with his desire for our program to be the best it can be, will absolutely move us forward."
The Sooners recently concluded a 20-14 season, marking their first NCAA Tournament appearance in three years and their first under Moser's leadership. This season, they faced UConn in the first round of the tournament, and while they were eliminated, the foundation for future success appears to be solid with Young’s involvement.
Young's decision to take on this role reflects a growing trend of former players engaging with their alma maters in a more significant capacity. He joins the ranks of fellow NBA star Stephen Curry, who was recently named assistant GM at Davidson College. Both players are at the forefront of a new era in college sports, where former athletes leverage their professional experiences to enhance their former programs.
As the college basketball landscape continues to evolve, Young's dual role as both a player in the NBA and an administrator for the Sooners represents a unique opportunity. He will balance his responsibilities with the Hawks, who are currently fighting for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference, while also striving to elevate the Oklahoma basketball program.
"I think, obviously, today the game has changed, and with NIL in college basketball, the way it’s changed, it’s the perfect time for guys to be more involved with the schools that made them who they were," Young reflected. "So now to be able to represent even more is going to be even more special."
With Young's expertise, passion, and commitment, the Oklahoma Sooners are poised for an exciting future. His presence on the staff is expected to attract top talent and enhance the program's competitive edge in the increasingly challenging landscape of college basketball.
